This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one,
BIOGRAPHY OF THE LATE NANA ASANTE DENTEH I
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10, NIV)
The Late Nana Asante Denteh I known as John Kwasi Gyane or Versco was born on 17th May 1926 at Kwahu-Kotosu in the Eastern Region of Ghana to Nana Kwabena Gyane, Krontihene of Kwahu-Kotosu and Madam Adwoa Effah of Kwahu-Tafo respectively all of blessed memory. He was the eldest of their children.
“Teacher Akwasi Donkor” or “Versco” as he was commonly called by both young and old started his early education at Kwahu-Tafo Presby Primary School and then to Kwahu-Tafo Middle School where he obtained MSLC. After he completed his elementary education, John Gyane Donkor taught for a few years at the Kwahu-Tafo Primary School. By dint of hardwork, he later became the Head Teacher at R/C Primary School, Kotosu from 1954-1955.
From1955 to 1957, John Gyane Donkor attended the Universal Commercial College, Somanya (UNIVERSCO) and successfully obtained a Diploma in Business Studies (DBS). At Universal College, he was so good academically as well as a good footballer that the School gave him a full scholarship for his period there as a student. So good was he that he was noted for his agility and prowess of dribbling and scoring goals with easem sticky situation.
After Universal College, he worked with Asona Building Company, Accra from 1959-1963 as an accounts clerk and then as a Typist for the Kwahu District Council, Mpraeso (1958-1959). Eager to broaden his horizon and be his own boss and adequately help to support his family, he moved back to Accra and started his own company by name Versco Trading Co. Ltd at La, this name he derived from his alma-mater, UNIVERSCO. He was so successful that by the late 60’s, he had become a key distributor for Accra Brewery Ltd and had one shop at the Labadi market and another at Otswe.
In 1970, he established the Versco Hotel Ltd. at Ako-Adjei main Accra Tema Road and then later moved to a bigger place near the Ako-Adjei Park and beside KYNS Hotel. He held the position of Managing Director. At this new location, he had his hotel on one part, a bar and a night club which he named Kamaako Night Club, a name he carved from one of his son’s named Kwame Amoako (Kamaako).
Versco Hotel in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s was the place to go. Those were the days when there were three bands playing Till Day Break (T.D.B). Bands like the Black Beats, Powerful Mercury, Big Mouth, Classic Handles, Classic Vibes, Asakes International, Elbeat 77 Band, Wulomei, Sunsum Mistic etc were the bands for the moment.
His hobbies and interests were football, boxing and playing draught. He is an ardent supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko and always had Infum’s picture in the hall. He will always listen to commentary on big speakers when kotoko is playing. It is no wonder, his son Eric Kwasi Donkor is currently playing for his darling club.
J. G. Donkor established the Versco Tae Kwan Do Club as well as a Boxing Club and had some of the well known names in boxing such as Shaibu Ali, Billy Kwame, Simon Peter McKintosh, Sampson Denteh, Nii Noi with Coach Aziz and the late Roy Ankrah all part of his club.
Mr. Donkor was a staunch member of the Grand United Order of the Odd fellows and hardly missed Lodge meetings. Other gatherings will not prevent him from going to his lodge meetings. He rose to become a Master in this brotherhood.
At one of the Full Gospel Business Men’s fellowship Breakfast Meetings held by the Airport Chapter Nana Asante Denteh as all knew him accepted Christ and became born again. He was the Properties Director of the Chapter for years before leaving Accra. He never missed any FGBMF meetings. After that day, he also joined the New Apostolic Church as a full member.
Nana Asante Denteh I had an amazing mind and always wanted to do good to all manner of people. His hospitality and generosity was exemplary to a fault. He believed that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. He was a pillar of strength and encouragement to all who met him and was a very disciplined, principled, honest and sincere man who believed in hardwork, a virtue he instilled in his numerous children, his own and those of his family members and friends that he raised over the years. He lived for others – a candle that gave light to many.
Wanting to still be on top of issues, and managing his businesses well, in December 1974 and March 1976, he took courses at (MDPI) in Hotel and Catering Management and the role of the Manager in a Small Business Enterprise.
Just before his eightieth birthday, he moved to settle at Kpone-Bawaleshie whilst being involved in Aids Awareness Campaign organized by his new NGO, Creative Awareness Movement; this put to the benefit of his own people at Kwahu-Kotosu, Kwahu-Tafo and Kwahu-Bukruwa.
At Kpone-Bawaleshie, he was a friend of all and normally played draught with the young and old and will be remembered by his long traps to win games.
On the 4th of November, 2012, he became ill and was admitted to the Achimota Hospital. From the 5th to the 7th of November, he looked very well and did everything without assistance. At dawn on the 8th of November, 2012, his condition got worse again and passed on at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital at about 11:00am.
“Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death” (Isaiah 57:1-2). Now you are gone and we cannot bring you back. Death had been so cruel to us but what else can we do but celebrate your life; a life well lived.
We pray that on the merit of our Redeemer’s Loving Grace, he finds solace in His bosom
Adieu Nana Asante Denteh
Fare thee well Teacher Kwasi Donkor
Damirifa due Papa Versco
NANA ASANTE-DENTEH / J.G. DONKOR, 86, born on May 17, 1926 and passed away on November 8, 2012. We will remember him forever.
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Happy birthday Papa
It is joyful to talk about you and remember the times we shared. Indeed you are forever missed but as Christians, we believe that “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so, shall we ever be with the Lord (1Thessalonians 4:16-17).”
In Loving Memory of my Dad.
I never got to see you in person, but I am grateful for you raising such a wonderful father and brother not only for me, but also for my siblings and uncles. May you Rest In Peace.
Blessings
Zoe
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made it so obvious."